Page 48 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
“Oh, don’t you worry, young man. I’m happy here.” If he wasn’t mistaken, her cheeks had colored. He guessed Alfred’s presence was partially responsible for her contentment.
Breakfast over, he pushed from the table. “I better make sure the boys have managed in my absence.” He jammed his hat on his head and rushed out the door.
Not until he reached the barn did he wonder what his hurry was. He brought in the milk cow and put oats out for her but before he could pull the stool up to milk her, Matt showed up.
“I’ll do the milking,” he said and proceeded to do so.
Andy turned his attention to the team who had pulled him and Della across the country. They’d been brushed thanks to Wally. He put out oats for them.
Luke and Kit pumped water into the trough. Honor took feed to the chickens. Lindy helped her gather eggs.
Riley joined his brothers. Done with their individual chores, the three of them stood before Andy. He knew they had something planned. Likely something he didn’t care to be part of.
Riley was the spokesman. “We managed fine when you were gone. We always do.”
Was Riley insinuating he wasn’t needed here? He snorted. He was just as much a partner on this ranch as any of them. Just because he was the youngest and not married—
Wait a minute. He was married. For now.
Riley continued, “Seems you’re set on sending that gal back as soon as you can.”
Andy opened his mouth to protest but before he could get a word out, Luke spoke up.
“She at least deserves to see a bit of the ranch, wouldn’t you say?”
Out of the corner of his eyes, Andy watched the three wives approach. His shoulders came up and he crossed his arms over his chest. He was about to be ambushed.
Each of the women stood beside their husband. Each brother dropped an arm across his wife’s shoulders and drew her close.
Andy’s mouth was suddenly parched. It was so natural for them. No pretend or temporary to deal with. He wondered which woman would be the spokesperson.
“Andy, we’ve been thinking…” Olivia of course. She was always both direct and diplomatic. “It sounds like Della has enjoyed the country. Why not show her more of the ranch while she’s here?”
The women nodded. The men tilted their chins to indicate Andy should listen to Olivia’s advice.
He held up a hand. “Didn’t any of you hear what I said last night? I’m taking Della to the train as soon as it’s running again. We’ll apply for an annulment.” Good thing no one asked him how he meant to do that. He’d find out when the time came. “I promised.” He knew one way to silence them. “Pa said a man was only as good as his word.”
Three brothers shook their heads in unison as if they were hitched to the same length of rope.
The sigh he let out was long and frustrated.
Olivia again spoke up. “Mrs. Bennet is preparing a picnic lunch for you. Take Della out. She struck me as someone who’d enjoyed seeing new things.”
“Or old things,” he muttered, thinking of castles and ruins in Europe, but no one paid attention to him.
Olivia continued, “Show her the cows. The trails.” She lifted her hands in the air. “There’s so much to see and enjoy.”
“Do Della and I get a say in this?”
“Sure. Jest as long as it’s along the lines of ‘that sounds like a great idea.’” Honor hooted. The others grinned and nodded in agreement.
Annoyed beyond words and aching to ride far to the west and disappear into the mountains, Andy circled around them and headed for his house. He opened the door only to be greeted by Mrs. B holding out a basket.
“Good. You’re here. Your picnic is ready. Show the young lady the ranch.”
He grunted. When everyone conspired against him there was only one thing to do. Seeing Della sitting at the table, a look of anticipation on her face, made it easy to comply. He relieved Mrs. B of the basket.
“Would you like to see more of the west?” he asked her.
